Global Edible Insects Market Size By Product (Caterpillar, Beetles, Cricket), By Application (Powder, Protein Bars), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Edible Insects Market Size And Forecast

Edible Insects Market size was valued at USD 874 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3048.1 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.90% from 2024 to 2031.

• The global edible insect industry is a thriving area of sustainable food production fueled by growing knowledge of the environmental, nutritional, and economic benefits of insect eating. Edible insects have been a staple of human diets for millennia notably in Africa, Asia, and Latin America where they are prized for their high protein content and other necessary components. However, in recent years, the method has gained popularity in Western countries driven by the need for sustainable food sources in the face of mounting worries about climate change, food security, and environmental degradation.
• The most important application of edible insects is human nutrition. Crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers are excellent sources of critical elements such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They include a high protein level that is comparable to if not greater than that of typical meats such as beef and chicken. Crickets for example contain 60-70% protein making them a high-quality source of amino acids required by humans. Furthermore, insects are high in healthy fats, fiber, and minerals including iron, zinc, and magnesium.
• The future usage of edible insects worldwide has great promise for establishing a more sustainable, nutritious, and secure food supply. Insect farming is an appealing alternative to traditional protein sources due to its environmental benefits, nutritional advantages, and economic prospects. While there are obstacles in terms of cultural acceptance and regulatory frameworks, ongoing initiatives in education, research, and innovation are paving the way for more widespread edible insect adoption.

Edible Insects Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the global edible insects market include

Key Market Drivers

• Sustainability and Environmental BenefitsOne of the primary drivers of the edible insects market is the substantial environmental benefits of insect farming. Insects require fewer resources such as land, water and feed than traditional livestock. Furthermore, they emit fewer greenhouse gases making them a more sustainable option. As concerns about climate change and resource scarcity mount, edible insect’s environmental benefits become more appealing to both consumers and farmers.
• Nutritional Value and Health BenefitsEdible insects are high in key elements including protein, vitamins and minerals making them an important part of the human diet. They provide a complete protein source including all essential amino acids as well as iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. This nutritional profile appeals to health-conscious customers and those looking for alternative protein sources which will drive market expansion as more people become aware of the benefits.
• Economic Viability and Market OpportunitiesInsect farming is more cost-effective than traditional cattle production, providing considerable economic advantages. Insects have excellent feed conversion efficiencies may be raised from organic waste and have rapid growth and reproduction rates resulting in cheaper production costs. Furthermore, the diversity of product options such as insect protein powders, bars and snacks as well as novel culinary uses is opening up new market prospects. Increased investment in R&D as well as supportive legislative frameworks are paving the road for market growth and consumer acceptability.

Key Challenges

• Consumer Acceptance and Perception One of the most significant problems confronting the edible insects market is the cultural and psychological stigma associated with eating insects. In many Western countries the thought of eating insects is received with skepticism and repulsion due to deeply ingrained culinary preferences and perceptions of insects as pests. Overcoming this barrier will necessitate considerable investments in consumer education, marketing methods and the creation of appealing insect-based food products that can alter perceptions and mainstream insect consumption.
• Regulatory and Safety Issues The regulatory landscape for edible insects differs significantly between locations making market expansion difficult. In some countries insects and insect-based products must follow stringent rules and food safety standards complicating the approval process. To ensure the safety of edible insects for consumption, standardized farming, processing and labeling criteria must be established as well as complete risk assessments to address potential allergens and pollutants.
• Scalability and Production Efficiency Creating a scalable and efficient edible insect production system is still another big difficulty. While insect farming is more environmentally friendly than traditional cattle farming, there are still technical and logistical challenges to overcome such as optimizing breeding conditions guaranteeing uniform quality and controlling prices. Furthermore, developing the infrastructure for mass insect production and processing necessitates significant investment and innovation in order to compete on price and availability with known protein sources.

Key Trends

• Increasing Consumer Acceptance and Demand Consumers are becoming more accepting of edible insects owing to increased understanding of their nutritional benefits and environmental sustainability. Demand for insect-based foods is growing as more people learn about their high protein content and lesser environmental effects as compared to traditional meat. Furthermore, marketing initiatives and novel product offers such as insect protein bars, snacks and flours are making eating insects more appealing and accessible to a broader audience.
• Technological Advancements in Insect Farming and Processing The edible insect market is benefiting from major technological advances in cultivation and processing methods. Innovations such as automated insect farming systems, enhanced breeding practices and efficient processing technologies improve the scalability, cost-effectiveness and quality of insect-based products. These developments are critical for addressing rising demand while maintaining the consistency and safety of insect-derived food items.
• Regulatory Support and Industry Investment The edible insect market is seeing an increase in regulatory support and industry investment both of which are important to its expansion and mainstream acceptability. Governments and food safety organizations in several locations are establishing specific regulations and standards for the production and consumption of edible insects to ensure safety and consistency. Concurrently, there is an increase in investment from both the private and public sectors in the research, development and marketing of insect-based foods which drives innovation and market expansion.

Global Edible Insects Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global edible insects market

North America

• According to Market Research analyst, North America is expected to dominate the global edible insects market.
• This trend is being driven by rising consumer knowledge of the nutritional value of invertebrates which are high in protein, vitamins and vital amino acids. As customers seek healthier and more sustainable food options, insect-based products are becoming increasingly popular resulting in a strong market presence in the region. The availability of various insect-derived meals such as protein bars, snacks and powders, has also aided the market’s growth.
• The edible insects market in North America is expected to develop at a substantial compound annual growth rate (CAGR) throughout the forecast period. This expansion is being driven by increased consumer awareness and acceptance of the health benefits linked with insect intake. Furthermore, advances in food technology and processing together with greater investment in the sector are improving product quality and diversity, hence driving demand. Regulatory assistance and educational campaigns on sustainable and nutritious food sources are also important in encouraging the inclusion of edible insects in mainstream diets.

Asia Pacific

• The Asia-Pacific region is developing as the fastest-growing market for edible insects owing to a combination of cultural acceptance and economic factors. In many Asian countries, insect ingestion has long been part of traditional diets laying the groundwork for market expansion. This cultural familiarity makes it easier for new insect-based products to acquire customer acceptability as they are already aware of the nutritional and gastronomic value of edible insects.
• Economic growth and rising disposable incomes in Asia-Pacific are also driving the rapid expansion of the edible insect market. As the middle class expands, there is a greater desire for various and innovative food products including those that are environmentally friendly and health concerned. Insect-based foods are well suited to this demand providing excellent nutritional content while leaving a smaller environmental imprint than conventional animal proteins. This convergence with health and sustainability trends is attracting a diverse set of customers.
• Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region is seeing considerable advances in insect farming and processing technology. Governments and commercial companies are investing extensively in R&D to improve the efficiency and scalability of insect production. These technical improvements lower costs and improve product quality making edible insects more accessible to a larger market. Furthermore, favorable regulatory frameworks and activities targeted at promoting alternative proteins are driving market expansion in the region.

Global Edible Insects Market Segmentation Analysis

The Global Edible Insects Market is segmented on the basis of Product, Application and Geography.

Edible Insects Market, By Product

• Caterpillar
• Beetles
• Cricket

Based on the Product, the market is bifurcated into Caterpillar, Beetles and Cricket. The Beetles segment held the largest market share and is expected to increase at a considerable CAGR over the forecast period. Beetles are the most widely consumed invertebrate due to their high nutritional value. A June beetle has only 13g of protein per 3.5 ounces compared to a beetle’s 20g. Beetles are popular among both young and old clients because of their high iron, calcium and zinc content.

Edible Insects Market, By Application

• Powder
• Protein Bars

Based on Application, the market is bifurcated into Powder and Protein Bars. The powder segment held the largest market share and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This category’s dominance is attributed to the widespread use and easy accessibility of insect powder which can be utilized as flour and incorporated into various dishes. In Europe, for instance, insect powders are often added to pizza, cheese and numerous other foods to enhance their flavor. The market demand is further boosted by the popularity of gluten-free cricket flour which is being increasingly used in a variety of food products.

Edible Insects Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

On the basis of Geography, the global edible insects market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Rest of the world. North America held the largest market share in the edible insects market and is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. Increasing consumer awareness of the nutritional benefits of invertebrates, rich in protein and essential nutrients is driving product demand. This rising knowledge is anticipated to sustain and accelerate market growth throughout the forecasted period making edible insects an increasingly popular and mainstream food choice.

Key Players

The Edible Insects study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Insecteo, Bug Foundation, Eddiebug, Gran Mitla and Injectables, Bugsy Bros, Beetle Jelly, Bugs in Mugs, Haocheng, and Cricketer.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with its product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

Edible Insects Market Recent Developments

• In September 2022, Aspire Food Group, a Canadian company known for its innovative insect agricultural and food technology and Lotte Confectionery, a leading South Korean snack and ice cream manufacturer, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on protein alternatives and edible insects.
• In September 2022, With a USD 250 million investment from ADM and Cargill, the French company InnovaFeed has expanded the plant in Decatur, Illinois, where black farm army flies are manufactured.
• In April 2022, The ValuSect consortium of European insect manufacturers provided services totaling EUR 460,000 (USD 496,600) to eighteen edible insect firms. The selected enterprises will receive guidance from qualified partners as they create cutting-edge innovations that will boost insect output and customer acceptance in North-West Europe.

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